Lingual tonsils
| Lingual tonsils | |
|---|---|
 Tongue | |
| Details | |
| System | Immune system (Lymphatic system) |
| Identifiers | |
| Latin | tonsilla lingualis |
| TA98 | A05.1.04.022 |
| TA2 | 2830 |
| FMA | 54836 |
| Anatomical terminology | |
The lingual tonsils are a collection of
Structure
Microanatomy
Lingual tonsils are covered externally by stratified squamous nonkeratinized epithelium that invaginates inward forming crypts. Beneath the epithelium is a layer of lymphoid nodules containing lymphocytes. Mucous glands located at the root of tongue are drained through several ducts into the crypt of lingual tonsils.[2][3] Secretions of these mucous glands keep the crypt clean and free of any debris.
Blood supply
Lingual tonsils are located on posterior aspect of tongue which is supplied through:[1]
- Lingual artery, branch of external carotid artery
- Tonsillar branch of facial artery
- Ascending and descending palatine arteries
- Ascending pharyngeal branch of external carotid artery
Nerve supply
Lingual tonsils are innervated by tonsillar nerves from the tonsilar plexus, formed by the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves.[1]
Function
Like other lymphatic tissues, the function of lingual tonsils is to prevent infections. These tonsils contain B and T lymphocytes which get activated when harmful bacteria and viruses come in contact with tonsils. B lymphocytes kill pathogens by producing antibodies against them, while T lymphocytes directly kill them releasing cytotoxic substances or indirectly by stimulating other cells of the immune system.[2][3][4]
Clinical significance
Cancer
Sleep apnea
Enlarged or hypertrophic lingual tonsils have the potential to cause or exacerbate sleep apnea.[6]
Additional images
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Lingual tonsil -
Lingual tonsil -
Lingual tonsils
This article incorporates text in the public domain from page 1138 of the 20th edition of Gray's Anatomy (1918)
External links
- Pictures at usc.edu(Registration required)
- Anatomy Atlases – Microscopic Anatomy, plate 09.163
- Histology image: 09802loa – Histology Learning System at Boston University
- MedEd at Loyola histo/HistoImages/hl6-27.jpg (labeled as 'lymphoid tissue')]
- Lingual Tonsil
